Correspondent photo / Nancilynn Gatta Members of St. Rose Church in Girard carry the St Vincent de Paul Society banner as they begin the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Council’s Steps of Hope Walk on Saturday at Packard Park in Warren.

WARREN — There may have been a name change, but the charitable intentions are the same.

“We have renamed our annual ‘Friends of the Poor Walk’ to ‘Steps of Hope’ to reflect a spirit that is both more inclusive and uplifting. The new name emphasizes the journey we take together — volunteers, donors, collaborating agencies and the neighbors we serve — walking side-by-side with dignity and compassion,” said Darlene S. Jones, chief executive officer of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio District Council. “‘Steps of Hope’ captures the promise of moving forward with faith, unity and a shared goal of a brighter and a stronger community.”

Jones said that 250 councils throughout the country also hosted walks on Saturday.

“Some of the councils kept the name Poor Walk while others changed it to Steps of Hope,” she said.

The Saturday morning event at Packard Park included music from the band N.O.K.A. from Lakewood, face painting and temporary tattoos, information booths about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Northeast Ohio Council and other organizations, a selfie station, free T-shirts for walkers and a free lunch.

Participants in the walk included Warren Mayor Doug Franklin, the Rev. Christopher Cicero, pastor of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish and chaplain of John F. Kennedy High School, St Vincent de Paul Thrift Store volunteers Pam and Mike Armeni of Niles and more than 350 others including children, men, women and a few dogs.

“When I lived in Delaware, my wife had some medical issues and we got behind on utility bills. St. Vincent de Paul helped us until we got back on our feet. I like to give back as a thank you,” said Paul Yannucci of Warren, who participated as a Steps of Hope walker.

There were many ways that volunteers could help with the event.

“I used to walk, but now I have back issues. I told Darlene that I would help anyway that I can,” said Gloria Yokley of Warren.

She staffed the T-shirt booth. Shirts were given to walkers and volunteers.

Marie Cleveland of Newton Falls brought her granddaughter, Yasmine Erne of North Ridgeville, to walk for the first time.

“I did not realize there was so much need in the area until I started working as the receptionist at TCAP (Trumbull Community Action Program),” Cleveland said.

The walk began when Lou Lepro, former district board president, fired his starter pistol.

The first runners /walkers to return after one lap around the soccer field at Packard Park were the mother / son duo of Kathy Matejcic and her son, Mason, 11, of Howland.

Jones hopes that events like Steps of Hope and other fundraisers will make the community more aware of the need in this area.

“We have worked diligently over the past several years to increase awareness of the significant issues facing our area due to high poverty rates. Warren has the highest rate of childhood poverty in the state of Ohio. Our communities all benefit when we prevent homelessness, stabilize families in crisis and help them become self-sufficient through workforce development initiatives. Our SVdP programs and services, while robust, rely on donations to support the growing number of families and seniors in need right now.”

Prior to the walk, Cicero read from Scripture, including the Ten Commandments and mentioned from Matthew 25:40 that Christ said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers that you do unto me.”

Franklin acknowledged God for the good weather Saturday and joked it could have been raining or even snowing in this area.

As he discussed the hardships that children, single mothers and seniors in the council’s region face every day, Franklin said, “What we say unequivocally in our city, in our community no one is left behind. The steps that we take today are more than just physical. They are a symbol of our collective resolve, a testament to the compassion and generosity that defines us as a community.

“Every mile you walk, every dollar you raise, is a step toward a community where poverty is not a life sentence but a challenge we can overcome together. Let’s show the world what can be accomplished when a community comes together for the common good.”